Understanding FAFSA In Your Community

Are you a Senior and need money for college? Have you already heard of “FAFSA”, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but think that filling out all the paperwork will be complicated and time-consuming?

If you you said yes to either of these questions, then the College Goal Sunday is right for you. Students and their families can get help filling out the paperwork from financial aid professionals at more than 40 sites throughout Indiana, including South Bend and Elkhart. It will be hosted on two Sundays in the 2016/17 school year. The first one took place on November 14th and the second one will be on February 12th 2017.

To provide you with more information, we asked Sean Penney, Career/College aid counselor at Penn, several questions to bring clarity to the FAFSA process.

According to Penney, “The FAFSA is critical for any senior looking to attend any college.” Students sadly think it is not worth the process because they believe their parents make too much money. The form itself consist of over 100 questions which may seem daunting but can be done in less than an hour with the help of your parents. It is even easier if you complete you form together with professionals at the College Goal Sunday in February.

To ensure a productive event, you will need to bring your completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2015 income and benefits information to College Goal Sunday. If you worked last year you should also bring this income information as well. It is important that you create your FSA ID 24 hours prior to coming. You can do this at fsaid.ed.gov. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2018. However, it is encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible, since many colleges almost certainly need it before this date.

If you have any further questions about college applications or scholarships information, you can contact Sean Penny in the CCRC. He will be happy to provide you with helpful information.